Central Islip Native AJ 'AJ ROK' Woodson to Discuss JVC FORCE's Hip-Hop Legacy at LIMEHOF

Founding member of iconic Long Island rap group to share story of 'Strong Island' anthem and his return to the stage at 60.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Nearly four decades after JVC FORCE's 'Strong Island' helped define Long Island's hip-hop identity, founding member AJ 'AJ ROK' Woodson is set to discuss the group's legacy and his personal comeback journey at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) on February 28th. Woodson, a Central Islip native, will speak about the impact of JVC FORCE's famous anthem, as well as his return to performing at age 60 after facing health challenges.

Why it matters

JVC FORCE's 'Strong Island' is considered a landmark track that helped establish Long Island's distinct hip-hop culture, which was often overshadowed by the dominance of New York City's five boroughs in the genre during the 1980s. Woodson's appearance at LIMEHOF provides a rare opportunity for fans to hear directly from a pioneering Long Island rapper about the group's legacy and his own personal journey.

The details

Woodson, along with fellow JVC FORCE members B-Love and DJ Curt Cazal, came together in Central Islip in the 1980s after Woodson returned home from high school in Mount Vernon. The group's 'Strong Island' anthem became an important cultural touchstone, inspiring businesses across the region to adopt the name and helping cement Long Island's identity separate from New York City. Despite lacking major-label backing and a music video, JVC FORCE's legacy has endured thanks to devoted fans. Woodson officially returned to the stage in 2024 after making lifestyle changes to address health challenges, relearning decades-old lyrics and regaining stage stamina.

  • JVC FORCE formed in the 1980s in Central Islip, NY.
  • The group's 'Strong Island' anthem was released nearly 40 years ago.
  • Woodson officially returned to performing on stage in 2024.

The players

AJ 'AJ ROK' Woodson

A founding member of the iconic Long Island hip-hop group JVC FORCE, who is set to discuss the group's legacy and his personal comeback journey at age 60.

B-Love

A founding member of JVC FORCE, who helped sustain the group's resurgence and encouraged Woodson to return to performing.

DJ Curt Cazal

The third founding member of the Long Island hip-hop group JVC FORCE.

Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF)

The organization hosting the event where Woodson will share the story of JVC FORCE and his return to the stage.

Tom Needham

The Vice Chairman of LIMEHOF, who described Woodson's appearance as a 'powerful celebration of hip-hop history and Strong Island pride.'

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What they’re saying

“Welcoming AJ 'ROK' Woodson to the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame is a powerful celebration of hip-hop history and Strong Island pride. His legacy with JVC FORCE helped put Long Island on the rap map, and this is a rare opportunity for fans to hear his story, meet a true pioneer, and experience living hip-hop history up close.”

— Tom Needham, Vice Chairman, Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (Patch.com)

“B-Love and I were rhyming back and forth that night, and everyone said how good we sounded together. The next day we met up, I joined the group, and we started working on routines and demos.”

— AJ 'AJ ROK' Woodson, Founding Member, JVC FORCE (Patch.com)

“We're told our record was important because it gave Long Island an identity — the same way 'South Bronx' did for the Bronx, or records did for Brooklyn. We represented this region, and people credit us for putting it on the rap map. We weren't the first group from there, but we made an anthem for the island.”

— AJ 'AJ ROK' Woodson, Founding Member, JVC FORCE (Patch.com)

“I had been working on my health — I had some incidents, was overweight, out of shape. I had to change my lifestyle. Then this opportunity came up and gave me the incentive to get in 'show' shape. That's different than regular shape. I had to relearn lyrics from songs we hadn't performed together since 1991. We rehearsed intensely.”

— AJ 'AJ ROK' Woodson, Founding Member, JVC FORCE (Patch.com)

“I have to shout out B-Love. There was a point I thought this was over, but he wouldn't let me give up. I want to be remembered as someone who made a difference, inspired the next generation — through music or activism — someone who left this place a little better than they found it.”

— AJ 'AJ ROK' Woodson, Founding Member, JVC FORCE (Patch.com)

What’s next

After his talk on February 28th, Woodson will sign autographs and pose for photos. Copies of his books and JVC FORCE t-shirts will be available for purchase.

The takeaway

This event celebrates the lasting impact of JVC FORCE's 'Strong Island' anthem, which helped establish Long Island's distinct hip-hop identity and inspired future generations of artists to represent their local roots. Woodson's personal journey of returning to the stage at 60 after facing health challenges also serves as an inspiring story of perseverance and the power of music to bring communities together.